Summary: The difference between trials and temptations and how to overcome temptations. 4 facts about temptations

If you’ve ever had difficulty in dealing with a particular temptation or sin then this message is for you. I want to discuss with you having victory over temptation that leads to sin today. I want to give you ways that you can understand the unique nature of temptation and ways to avoid it. First, I

want to look at the difference between what we call trials and temptations.

The Difference Between a Trial and Temptation: A trial is different in that it can be sent by God or allowed by God in order to deepen your walk with Him or to bring about God’s plan for your life. A temptation is never directed by God, but rather its purpose is destructive. Temptation is not sin itself. Jesus was tempted. Temptation can make us

stronger if we can successfully overcome it.

4 Facts About Temptation

1.) It is inevitable (Luke 17:1-2) We are warned against being a stumbling block to someone else. Rather than being a stumbling block. We should seek to build back up and restore the one who has stumbled (Gal 6:1) Temptation comes from within, from the devil and from the worldview that the devil promotes and that sinful people accept.

2.) It is never directed by God. (James 1:13) God is never effected by sin, doesn’t make any decisions effected by sin and cannot cause or lead a person to sin because he is totally pure and holy.

3.) It is an individual matter (James 1:14) Billy Graham has said that “None of us should deliberately place ourselves in a position to be tempted. Satan will always attack where we are most vulnerable. “But each one is tempted when, by his

own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives bith to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.”

4.) It will always follow the same pattern. A thought enters, we pamper it; it germinates and grows into an evil act. The devil has a pattern of attack.

Truths of this passage:

1. Our temptations are not unique vs.13

2. There is a way to stand up and over temptation vs.14

3. God knows my limits. He is not unaware of my situation

We overcome temptation by:

1. Looking for a way to avoid the temptation. Joseph flee from Potiphar’s wife when she wanted to commit adultery Gen 39:12 Flee fromthe situation if possible.

2. Submit your thoughts to God (James 4:7; Phil 4:8) We should take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Most of our thoughts could be characterized more as captivating us rather than being

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

4. We have to expect it to come “when you are tempted. . . “ v.13 Stay ready. Put on the full armor of God see Ephesians 6:13-18. Most of us go out into the world each day ill-prepared for spiritual battle.